MONDAY, 10-19: Ubuntu, Virtual Choir and the chance to breath with Central Bucks High School-West's Dr. Joseph Ohrt

#032. Ubuntu  means "a person is a person through other people." Dr. Joseph Ohrt of Central Bucks High School-West instinctively knows what it means, evidenced by the remarkable choral program he's built. In fact, we didn't even mention the Zulu word in our conversation. Dr. Ohrt just gets it. There is no English translation for the word ubuntu. The term "community" is the closest we have, but it falls far short.  Regardless of the limits of language, we all know deep down that a person realizes their human potential not by achieving certain things or recognition, or titles, or money, or fame, but through their relationships with other people. "Because you are, I am," was one of the favorite phrases of Nelson Mandela, who Dr. Ohrt's choir sang for when Madiba visited Philadelphia.  Dr. Ohrt's ensembles have sung for many heads of states, and have performed at esteemed venues such as the White House, and Carnegie Hall many times over. But these kinds of honors are not ultimately what is central to what a choir is. What's central is ubuntu.  It's not a coincidence that both ubuntu and choir are central to South African township life.  Choir is the ultimate manifestation of ubuntu. Today Dr. Ohrt talks to us about what's happening with his choirs right now and how important it is for connection to remain at the center of how we are engaging our choirs as we endure the pandemic. Visit the SHOW NOTES for links related to this episode. You can also visit coronachoir.org for more resources and an opportunity to tour South Africa all expenses paid. .